In the Manual of The Mother Church (p. 43) Mrs. Eddy has given to Christian Scientists very explicit instructions in regard to formulas. Under the caption, "Formulas Forbidden," she has said, "No member shall use written formulas, nor permit his patients or pupils to use them, as auxiliaries to teaching Christian Science or for healing the sick."
As is the case with all the By-laws in our Church Manual, this specific rule demands prayerful and consecrated study if it is to be clearly understood, and then it must be earnestly and intelligently obeyed. Unless its true meaning, and the reason for it, are discerned, students may unwittingly fall into disobedience and reap the disaster which would inevitably result from such neglect or violation of law. As is also the case with every By-law, the student should depend on the divine Mind to reveal to him the exact meaning of each. He may therefore look to Mind to show him just what formulas include, and how to guard against their use. It is this very omnipresence of divine inspiration which makes the use of formulas in Christian Science teaching and healing entirely unnecessary.
When the Christian Scientist begins to realize that God is ever present Mind, he recognizes at once that it is to this one infinite Mind he must look for guidance at all times. There is his constant help, his unerring counselor, his wise governor, the God who supplies just the thoughts needed at any and every moment. It is, therefore, to divine Mind he must continually turn for inspiration, for wisdom, for intelligence; hence he will guard most assiduously his ability to receive these heavenly witnesses and will take greatest care to avoid anything which might close his mental door to the recognition and acceptance of all such revelation from God.
